A little boy is heartbroken when his beloved dog dies, leaving him alone. From the day Mike’s mom brought Corky home as a puppy, Mike has cared for Corky and loved him. Mike makes sure Corky gets enough treats and walks him. The two best friends play together and Corky even sleeps on Mike’s head. Mike likes telling Corky secrets and jokes and knows Corky understands everything he says. So Mike makes a plan with Corky that they will always do everything together forever. Mike’s “Forever Plan” works for years, until Corky becomes sick and dies, leaving Mike bereft, lonely and angry that Corky has broken his promise to always be together. Finally, Mike’s mom shows him that the “Forever Plan was still going to work, only a little differently than he’d expected,” allowing Mike to hold Corky in his heart forever. Andreasen’s gentle, heartwarming illustrations highlight the camaraderie between boy and dog as well as the heartbreak of loss. A healing antidote for those who have lost a pet or any loved one. (Picture book. 4-8)
